Platform: Xbox
Genre: Racing
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: AM2 / Sega
ETA: October 2004

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OutRun 2

Nearly twenty years after the original, Sega has finally created a true sequel to their arcade classic Outrun. The premise is a fantasy most of us can relate to – grab a fast car, a gorgeous blonde, and go really, really fast, with none of the obnoxious "urban street cool" that permeates so many car movies nowadays. This time, instead of merely driving a single red Ferrari, there are eight cars to choose from (including a Testarossa, a 360 Spider and a 288 GTO) and three different girls to choose from. More than just eye candy, these ladies alter the way you play -- one of them will challenge you to pull off slides (a la Crazy Taxi) and reward you with kisses.

Running on Sega's Chihiro board, the graphics in the arcade version are stunningly gorgeous, and we expect no less from the Xbox version. The environments show a complete disdain toward sensible geography by having you race through tropical beaches, blazing deserts and frigid snowfields. All of the classic tunes – plus several more – are back and remixed, so if the thought of hearing "Magic Sound Shower" remixed excites you, you'll enjoy Outrun 2 for that alone. Me, I've always been more of a "Splash Wave" fan, myself.

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Outrun 2 has almost the exact same structure as the original – there are 15 short stages altogether, and the branching path at the end of each level will take you to different stages. This could prove a problem in the home release unless they decide to add more levels, as these can be blown through in an hour or two, if that. There is Xbox Live support to challenge other people, which is good for multiplayer purposes. But Sumo Digital, the company porting the arcade game to the Xbox, needs to add enough interesting features to bring the single player game up to par. If they succeed, Outrun 2 could be the one great arcade racer for those non-gearheads like me who just don't get Gran Turismo. Keep your eyes out for it in October.

Features:

OutRun2's Legendary Racing Experience. "OutRun2" offers a distinctive pick up and play pure arcade driving experience with its famous missions such as heart attack and time attack.

Fully licensed Ferraris. Players can choose from eight different fast and stylish Ferrari cars, including Enzo Ferrari, Dino 246 GTS, 365 GTS/4 Daytona, Testarossa, 360 Spider, 288 GTO, F40 and F50.

Huge track environments and options. More than 15 tracks are set against spectacular massive environments inspired from locations throughout the world including ancient desert, snowy mountains, foggy hills and tropical city

Xbox Live features. "OutRun2" lets gamers race against each other online for thrilling races. In addition, gamers can upload and download ghosts to challenge others' best races.

- Kurt Kalata

(August 13, 2004)